cant figure out focus issue

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blacksunshine

New member
ok so im still trying to figure out the focus on the d800. read the manual, read online tutorials. ive tried each mode and im so frustrated. with my d70 i never had this problem. i prefer to shoot in single focus so i can choose the focus area but they are blurry when i use that mode. the only mode i can get sharp pics is auto and 3d and i dont really like either of those. all i can think is maybe i need to try a different lens. im using a 70-300 afs with vr. its a beautiful lens but requires those higher shutter speeds.
 
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WayneF

Senior Member
Live View or Viewfinder? My D800 viewfinder seems extremely accurate with AF-S.

Make sure your a2 menu is on Focus Priority, which is default for AF-S, but it could have been changed. Shutter in Release Priority does not wait until it focuses.
 
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Blade Canyon

Senior Member
If you are using AF-S, single point focus, and you focus on your subject then recompose the shot before shooting, you might be accidentally hitting the shutter button a second time, thus causing it to refocus. This is one reason I really like back-button focus, which on the D800 is the AF-On button right by your thumb. You have to reprogram the camera in the menus so that the shutter button does not trigger the auto-focus, only the AF-On button. With back button focus, you lock your focus, let off the button, then you are free to recompose and hit the shutter button without causing it to refocus.

This could also be a lens calibration issue, or using VR while on a tripod.
 
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